In 2000, the original building was demolished and replaced with the current facility, which has 386,000 square feet (35,900 m2) of land and a capacity of 2,700 students.

Originally reserved exclusively for seniors to converge during lunch, this courtyard was eventually opened to the entire student body.

[citation needed] The uniform consists of a white polo shirt, and navy/dark blue khaki pants, shorts, or skirt.

[15] Northwestern also hosts the very popular Saturday-run ISP Flea Market, sponsored by the school's International Studies Program.

Until 2006, Northwestern was officially the largest high school in Maryland when measured by square footage,[17] a distinction that has since been given up to the 434,600 sq ft (40,380 m2) Dr. Henry A.

The sub-schools are connected by a large, unique main hallway called the skywalk, which features a tiered three-story design.

The H, J, and K-Wings are not separate buildings like Wings A-F. Another unique design feature of Northwestern is its three satellite cafeterias or commissaries, which supplement the main food court.

Services are provided at no direct charge to students or parents/guardians, except when appropriate to bill enrollees' insurance companies or medical assistance.

[25] With the implementation of the Center for the Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) magnet program, Northwestern presently has two separate admissions processes.

In 8th grade, incoming freshmen complete a pre-registration form which reflects which of the Northwestern academy programs they are interested in enrolling in.

The first stage involves an actual application which factors in current GPA, plus two teacher recommendations, after which qualified students undergo an audition related to their intended arts major.

[25] Northwestern students generally undertake a college preparatory curriculum that follows the graduation requirement guidelines set forth by the state of Maryland,[39] which includes four years of English; three years of mathematics, science, and social studies (U.S. History, L/S/N Government, and World History are required); one credit in fine arts and Foundations of Technology; and a half credit of Personal Fitness (Physical Education) and Health.

Northwestern was ranked second in the county (out of 24 high schools) for students scoring highest on the nationally administered Advanced Placement Tests, by College Board, the association which governs AP programs and its related courses throughout the country.

The magnet included differentiated instruction and a competency-based curriculum, and served as an educational partnership linking the personnel and resources of the University of Maryland, College Park and Northwestern.

The curriculum organizes instruction in academic subjects around an industry or career theme and enables students to fulfill requirements for college entrance in addition to acquiring work-related knowledge and skill.

During eleventh and twelfth grades, students are exposed to more specific or specialized instruction and participate in various work-based learning experiences.

[50] Northwestern also houses the Naval Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (NJROTC) Academy of Military Science.

[51] Program highlights include a focus on academics, including United States military history; exploration of national security issues; the study of meteorology and astronomy; communications and advanced technologies employed by the armed services; navigation and survival skills; healthy lifestyles and physical fitness; organizational skills and financial management; career exploration in a wide variety of fields (both military and nonmilitary); and the foundations of responsible leadership.

Cadets learn and develop leadership skills and application of military courtesies and customs as they complete each year of their NJROTC programs.

Participation on one of the various drill teams could include travels to neighboring counties, states, and possibly competitions held nationwide.

Students who successfully complete a minimum of three years of the NJROTC program and qualify to enter active-duty military service, receive pay/rank increases of two grades above non-NJROTC recruits.

In-school juried assessments of students' level of development in sensing, playing, and performing, are required as a component of being a vocal music major.

Students are exposed to current principles and practices of multimedia standards, computer graphics, software application, developmental techniques, and media ethics.

[5] The Northwestern High School Instrumental Music Program has been rated "Superior" and received first place, as well as grand championship rankings, at local, state, and national levels.

The Concert, Advanced, Women's, and Gospel Choirs have received numerous superior ratings at the local and state level, as well as national and international venues.

[55] The choir has performed classical works, from Mozart and Schubert, to challenging spirituals by William L. Dawson and Moses Hogan.

The Advanced Ensemble is an auditioned, select choir, and members must be enrolled in the school's Center for the Visual and Performing Arts magnet program.

The group achieved international notoriety and media coverage during their tour,[60] when they performed outside of the Mediclinic Heart Hospital, the facility where revered former president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, was being treated for illness.

[55] The Concert Choir was awarded the highest honor, a "Superior" rating, at the 2011 Festival of Gold invitational in New York City.

Both collaboration projects were in conjunction with the University of Maryland School of Music, with songs written exclusively for the choir by the late composer Christopher Patton.